Neuropsychiatric symptoms of major or mild neurocognitive disorders

Abstract

Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS), or behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), affect most individuals with major or mild neurocognitive disorders (NCDs), formerly termed dementia and mild cognitive impairment, at some point during the course of the illness. The near universal prevalence of NPS in NCDs has prompted the recent inclusion of non-cognitive symptoms in the core diagnostic criteria of NCDs. They are associated with a reduced quality of life and increased institutionalization, with adverse effects on both the patient and the formal and informal caregivers. Despite the prevalence of NPS, there are very few effective and safe pharmacological treatments available, partly based on the limited understanding of the underlying neurobiology of NPS. This chapter will provide a concise overview of non-cognitive symptoms of NCDs including the nature, prevalence, assessment, and management of these behaviors.